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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Darcey Rakestraw, 202-683-2467; drakestraw@fwwatch.org

FDA Decision to Set Stricter Limits on Apple Juice a Victory for Consumers

Statement by Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director, Food & Water Watch

WASHINGTON

"We're extremely pleased by the news that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a standard that would reduce the allowable level of arsenic in apple juice, now holding the popular drink consumed largely by children to the same standard as our drinking water."

"Over the last two years, we and the Empire State Consumer Project have been lobbying for these stricter standards. We applaud Dr. Oz for bringing attention to the matter to the public, and the FDA for doing the right thing. We'll continue to lobby the agency to make sure they finalize and enforce these proposed standards."

"We hope the FDA will continue to monitor the levels of heavy metals and contaminants in our foods, particularly imported foods. Two-thirds of apple juice that Americans consume--more than 400 million gallons annually--comes from China. The FDA should focus more of its attention on imported foods, especially those that are most often eaten by children."

See our press release dated July 21, 2011 for more information on the letter Empire State Consumer Project and Food & Water Watch sent to the FDA asking for stricter limits on arsenic in apple juice, and the lab report outlining the heavy metals found in several brands of apple juice in testing commissioned by the Empire State Consumer Project.

Food & Water Watch mobilizes regular people to build political power to move bold and uncompromised solutions to the most pressing food, water, and climate problems of our time. We work to protect people's health, communities, and democracy from the growing destructive power of the most powerful economic interests.

(202) 683-2500